Tattoo Tuesday: The Cold Moon of December

The tattoo on Fence’s wrist has symbolic meaning. The symbol represents the Cold Moon of December; Native Americans gave names like this to the different moons of each month. The month of December, for the Native Americans, was a time of struggle–the nights were long and dark. But then in January, life would brighten once again. Fence has the Cold Moon to remind herself of the ever-present light at the end of the dark tunnel.

“I’ve had times where I have thought my life is over,” Fence said. “It’s important to remember that feeling will not last, as cliché as it all sounds. When I came across this, I instantly realized how much everything behind its story really fit into my life.”

When asked how she feels about the public perception of tattoos, Fence responded with confusion as to why anyone would judge someone based on their choice to get a tattoo or not.

“Something I don’t understand is why would people judge someone else for getting a tattoo,” Fence said. “Whether he or she gets one for a specific reason, or purely for the sake of wanting one, it doesn’t matter. They are forms of art.”

Freshman Erin Fence shows off her Cold Moon of December tattoo. This Native American symbol reminds her to never lose hope in the light. (Photo by Kate Power)